PASSAIC, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- A viscous white substance changed the color of water in Passaic on Wednesday, but after an investigation by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Mayor Hector Lora said it isn’t dangerous.
Officials suspect the contamination is due to diatomaceous earth, a substance used in pool filters, NJ.com reported.
The city initially closed Third Ward Memorial Park to the public over fears that vapors from the contaminant could be dangerous.
DEP investigators found the water had a PH level of six. The normal PH for water is seven. Outside of the slightly altered PH, the department did not find any toxins or otherwise harmful substances in the water.
Lora said the substance flowed into Passaic from Clifton.
The city flushed its waterways Wednesday afternoon and the discoloration eventually dissipated.
Those responsible could face legal consequencecs, as dumping chemicals is illegal regardless of whether the chemical is hazardous.
The city is continuing to investigate the incident.
Related
Related
